When aiming for healthier and happier, I think  Ghandi had it right when he said “There is more to life than increasing its speed”. It seems that the more quickly Christmases arrive, I tend to agree. The year is going too fast, or so it seems the older (and wiser) I get.

It’s not all about speed to be happier

Truthfully, today it’s all about speed. The fastest computer. The fastest smart-phone. The fastest car.

But there is good news about slowing down brought to us by science and a little bit of commons sense. In fact, following are 3 circumstances where backing off on the need for speed can make you healthier and happier

Rise and Shine

If you need a reason to linger in bed, here’s one. It turns out that when you bolt out of bed your ’50 and getting wiser’ body can’t keep up with quick movements like that so early in the morning. You increase your risk for falling due to light-headedness or stumble due to a cramp or painful joints.

> Your Slow Down Mojo
Stretch while you are in bed. Arms over your head stretching and then stretch your legs out long, then drawing them up. If you want to try a nice set of stretches, here is a nice article on 6 quick and easy morning stretches you can do in bed. And doesn’t the idea of having a good reason to stay in bed a tiny bit longer make you happier?!

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee

Well, at least buzz like a bee! Natural levels of the stress hormone called cortisol peak around 30 minutes after you wake up. Caffeine boosts your cortisol levels. Waiting until a natural dip in cortisol, which is usually a few hours after waking up, is a good time to have your first cup of coffee. But, don’t skip the caffeine! A published study in “Nutritional Neuroscience” found that the equivalent of 2 cups of brewed coffee improved both the cognitive and perceptual motor skills with a small study of ages 61 to 77 years. I always knew those afternoon cups of coffee were good for me!

>Your Slow Down Mojo
Start your morning off with a serving of powdered fiber supplement instead of coffee. Fiber supplements can help lower cholesterol and steady the blood sugar. Plan your afternoon caffeine in the mid-afternoon. Another good reason to drink coffee makes me happier!

Brush Brush Brush

Researchers are telling us that inflammation associated with troubled gums is linked to heart problems and dementia, although the scientists have not found a direct cause and effect. Better safe than sorry and control the plaque around your gum lines!

>Your Slow Down Mojo
Take your time. Most folks find standing still for the recommended 2 minutes too long, since most Americans average taking only 45 seconds to brush their teeth. Even fewer take the time to floss. Take the time to take care of yourself – it’s only 2 minutes! And give yourself that added gift of flossing. Slow down and take care of your teeth.

Slow down the write way

We each have to come to our own terms of challenging the clock and slowing down. One way to slow down that is proven is writing down your thoughts and feelings, in longhand on paper. Writing is a beautiful act that allows you to capture your creative thoughts, express your true feelings and provide a lasting legacy to the very moment of time in which you are living. It isn’t just the writing of current and recent events. The time can be spent writing, capturing, and analyzing your past. The art and ritual of writing provides you a conduit to your past, present and future.

Hugs and feathers from the nest~~()~~

Kim Steadman is the Content Curator and COOP (Chief Online Operating Person) for The Re-Feathered Nest, a place of encouragement for moms entering the Empty Nest Zone who are ready to RePurpose and ReDesign themselves according to God’s purpose for their lives now that the kids have flown the coop. She is the author of the soon to be released book ““My Little Book of Empty Nest Quotes & Wisdom.’ Kim can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheRefeatheredNest and on Google+ at +Kim